Brits would find it easier to give up chocolate than cheese... but only just

CHEESE-loving Britons have narrowly beaten chocolate fans when it comes to choosing their favourite indulgent tasty treat, according to a new report today.

PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: 00:01, Fri, Nov 17, 2017

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Brits would find it easier to give up chocolate than cheese

Asked what they would plump for if they had choose between the sandwich staple and the sweet-shop favourite, dairy lovers narrowly came out on top, according to research by consumer analyst Mintel.

Given the poser of having to “choose between never being able to eat cheese again or never being able to eat chocolate again” 50 per cent of Britons said they would drop the dark stuff compared to 47per cent who would give up cheddar, brie or any of their relatives.

Meanwhile, a contrary 3per cent say they don't like either.

When looking into the regional differences, it seems it is a nation divided.

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And while overall cheese just pips chocolate to the post in popularity stakes, it's chocolate that Brits are buying more of. According to Mintel research, UK consumers are estimated to buy 356 million kg of cheese in 2017, while sales of chocolate are forecast to reach 444 million kg.

Richard Caines, Senior Food and Drink Analyst at Mintel, said: “When it comes to the battle between cheese and chocolate, two great British indulgences, cheese more than holds its own.

“It is a menu staple in the vast majority of UK homes. Recipes and ideas for using cheese with meals offer significant scope for driving increased usage and cementing British consumers' love of cheese.”